The Philippine Paralympic athletes are set to receive a heroes welcome from the country’s President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., following the conclusion of the 17th Paralympic Games held in Paris, France. This celebration aims to honor the dedication and hard work of these athletes who despite not securing any medals represented the nation with pride and resilience.
MARAMING SALAMAT, TEAM PHILIPPINES! 🇵🇭
— GMA Sports (@gmasportsph) September 10, 2024
IN PHOTOS: Our Filipino Paralympians were all smiles at the closing ceremony of the Paris #Paralympics2024! #GMASports
📸: Philippine Sports Commission pic.twitter.com/Eixaz8VtTF
Despite no Filipino athletes winning a single medal, Malacañang has organized a heroes welcome for the six athletes who competed in the prestigious event. Philippine sports officials confirmed that President Marcos will recognize the athletes’ efforts and hard work with the event scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 12 at 2:30 PM. This ceremony underscores the government's commitment to valuing the dedication and perseverance of its athletes regardless of the outcome.
The ceremony will take place at Malacañang Palace and will be similar to the one held for the Philippine Olympic team last month. Such events are crucial in promoting the spirit of sportsmanship and in highlighting the achievements of athletes who have overcome significant challenges to compete on the world stage. This celebration is not just about recognizing the athletes' performance but also about inspiring the next generation of para-athletes to pursue their dreams.
“Our President is very supportive, and he acknowledges and recognizes the efforts of our athletes. We express our gratitude to the President for his all-out support. Our Chief Executive made us feel really special,” Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) president Michael Barredo said in a statement. Barredo's words reflect the broader sentiment within the Paralympic community that recognition from the highest levels of government is essential for the continued growth and support of para-sports in the Philippines.
The Philippine campaign in the 2024 Paralympic Games was led by javelin thrower Cendy Asusano and swimmer Angel Otoh, while wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan, archer Agustina Bantiloc, swimmer Ernie Gawilan, and taekwondo artist Allain Ganapin also received praise for their inspiring performances. These athletes, each with their unique stories of overcoming adversity, showcased the indomitable Filipino Paralympians spirit on the international stage. Their participation alone is a testament to their hard work, determination and commitment to their sport.
“Our para athletes did their best at the Paris Paralympics but fell short of reaching the podium. We are proud of their valiant efforts, nonetheless. Now, it is time to return to the drawing board and establish a clear para sports pathway, from grassroots participation especially among the youth and women up to the elite level,” Barredo added. This statement highlights the need for a structured and sustainable approach to developing para-sports in the Philippines, with an emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility.
The Philippines is one of the few countries that provides cash incentives to its medal-winning Paralympic athletes, similar to Canada. However, under Republic Act 10699, Paralympians receive only half of the cash incentives given to Olympic medalists. This disparity has been a point of contention among athletes and advocates who argue that Paralympians should be equally rewarded for their achievements. The current incentive structure does not fully reflect the effort, skill, and dedication of Paralympians, and there is a growing call for legislative change.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann confirmed that the PSC is continuing to push the government to provide more incentives for para-athletes in the future. “We are working with Congress to increase the cash incentives of our medal-winning para athletes, similar to the incentives that our athletes in the Olympics normally receive. We are also helping institutionalize the Para PNG (Philippine National Games), so we can have a younger pool of athletes that we can actually select in the future,” Bachmann stated. This initiative is a positive step towards leveling the playing field for Paralympians and ensuring that they receive the support they need to succeed.
The heroes’ welcome at Malacañang Palace serves not only as a recognition of the athletes’ efforts but also as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by para-athletes in the Philippines. Issues such as inadequate funding, lack of access to training facilities, and the need for specialized coaching are just some of the barriers that these athletes have to overcome. By shining a light on these issues, there is hope that more support will be mobilized from both the government and the private sector to address these gaps.
Furthermore, the recognition of para-athletes by President Marcos sends a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity in sports. It underscores the idea that athletic excellence is not solely measured by the number of medals won but also by the courage and determination to compete at the highest levels. The government's recognition helps to break down societal barriers and stereotypes about disability, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes.
Looking ahead, the PPC and PSC are focused on expanding opportunities for para-athletes through initiatives such as the Para PNG, which aims to provide a national platform for para-sports competitions. By nurturing talent from the grassroots level and providing a clear pathway to elite competition, the PPC hopes to build a stronger and more competitive team for future international events. This long-term vision is crucial for ensuring that the Philippines continues to be represented on the global stage by athletes who exemplify the best of what the country has to offer.
This heroes’ welcome is more than just a ceremony; it is a celebration of the human spirit, of perseverance, and of the belief that every athlete, regardless of their background or the obstacles they face, deserves recognition and support. The stories of Cendy Asusano, Angel Otoh, Jerrold Mangliwan, Agustina Bantiloc, Ernie Gawilan, and Allain Ganapin are reminders that success in sports is not only about winning but also about inspiring others to believe in themselves and to strive for greatness against all odds.
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